September 25, 1882: Baseball’s First Single-Admission Doubleheader

On September 25, 1882, Major League Baseball made history with its first single-admission doubleheader, where two games were played back-to-back for the price of one. Fans at Worcester Driving Park Grounds in Worcester, Massachusetts, witnessed the Providence Grays take on the Worcester Ruby Legs in this historic event. The Grays swept both games, marking the day as a significant milestone in baseball history.

Doubleheaders, especially those under single admission, became a staple of early baseball, allowing teams to make up for postponed games or increase ticket sales by offering fans double the action in a single day. This first doubleheader set the stage for longer, more immersive fan experiences, shaping the way baseball was consumed for decades.

The excitement in the crowd at Worcester Driving Park mirrored the uniqueness of the occasion, as fans were able to watch back-to-back games. Over time, single-admission doubleheaders became synonymous with baseball’s nostalgic charm, drawing families and die-hard fans alike for full days of America’s pastime.

While doubleheaders, especially single-admission ones, are much rarer today due to changes in modern scheduling, this historic day in 1882 set the precedent for future events that would become an enduring part of baseball history.